Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Honey, produced by honey bees, has been used traditionally in various cultures to treat mouth ulcers, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers). The use is primarily based on folk medicine and historical records rather than rigorous scientific validation. Traditional systems, especially in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia, have recommended topical honey application for oral lesions due to its perceived soothing, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.

While there are a few small clinical studies and case reports suggesting that honey may reduce pain, inflammation, and healing time of canker sores, the bulk of evidence is either anecdotal or based on limited trials with methodological flaws (such as small sample sizes or lack of proper blinding). The proposed mechanisms behind honey’s effect include its antibacterial activity, high osmolarity, and presence of bioactive compounds that may reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

In summary, the use of honey bee products (specifically honey) for canker sores is primarily supported by traditional use with some preliminary but low-quality clinical evidence. As of now, robust scientific validation is lacking, and more well-designed studies would be required to firmly establish efficacy and safety.

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